Real Madrid challenge Man Utd, Chelsea for Rodwell

Real Madrid are battling Manchester United and Chelsea for Everton defender Jack Rodwell.

The People says United and Chelsea have been monitoring Rodwell's progress for some time, and Arsenal would move if they had the cash. Real joined the hunt only last summer, but they have had him watched at least five times this season and that has been enough to convince them the boy is a major talent.

Real's agents have been instructed to contact Everton to sort out a price. Everton boss David Moyes will demand at least £15million - a sum Real sources consider 'very high'.

But the Scot will not back down on this one and the Spaniards will be told they have to spend big if they want to lure one of the most exciting talents England has produced since Wayne Rooney.